Dolphin shopping centre chooses local charity to support

The team at the Dolphin shopping centre has chosen Poole’s Sea Rangers as its nominated charity for 2014. The Sea Ranger Association is an organisation for ages nine to 21 which aims to get girls involved in a number of water-based activities such as sailing, rowing and canoeing.

The Dolphin centre will donate all funds collected from its organised charity events in a bid to not only raise awareness of the Sea Rangers but to also help achieve their aim of raising money for a new safety boat.

Jill Bailey, senior officer of Poole Sea Rangers, comments: “Words cannot express how grateful we are to the Dolphin shopping centre for choosing us as its lead charity. Hopefully, with the help of the Dolphin we can reach more people within the community and introduce more young people to take part in water activities safely.”

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin shopping centre, adds: “Poole Sea Rangers is a fantastic charity and one that makes a hugely positive contribution to the community that should be commended. We are delighted to be able to assist them in their crucial work and look forward to a long and positive relationship that will help them grow within the community to reach more young people and their families.” (Wed 12 Feb 14)

Warning of further storms as debris cleared from last storm

The Met Office has issued further weather alerts, this time an Amber Alert for the South West as another storm heads our way.

The previous storms have left a trail of destruction in their wake, including some unusual objects deposited on the beach at Sandbanks.

Whilst you wouldn't be surprised to see a buoy on the coast, to actually bump into it on the beach, well that's different! A large red marker buoy was washed up onto the beach at Sandbanks during the last storm as a result of the high tides and winds.

Further down the beach by the Haven Hotel, the power of the sea and wind can be witnessed by the large tree trunk that has appeared on the concrete jetty .... wonder where that has come from!

With another storm forecast over the weekend, you can't help but wonder what we might find on the beach next! (Fri 7 Feb 14)

Gallery exhibition to celebrate the people of Poole

The Borough of Poole and the Dolphin Shopping Centre have come together to host an exclusive gallery event to showcase the people living and working in Poole.

The images have been created by students studying for a BTEC extended diploma in art and design from Bournemouth and Poole College.

The artistic portraits, captured by the students, include iconic Poole settings and events including Poole Quay, Poole Park, Remembrance Sunday, fireworks night and the lantern parade.

The college, Borough of Poole and the Dolphin Shopping Centre will be a hosting a private viewing of a selection of the photos on Monday February 10 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the former Early Learning Centre, in the lower mall of the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

The Mayor of Poole, Councillor Philip Eades, will open the event and Nick Day, head of art and design at the college, will talk about the project. John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, will also say a few words about the collaboration.

The photos will remain on display at the exhibition until February 15. As well as the exhibition, the photos will be used in a whole range of internal and external Council communications. (Thu 6 Feb 13)

Tower Park-based motor dealership, Breeze Volkswagen is searching for a rising star of the future as part of the 2014 Rock Star Awards.

As sponsor of the Rising Star of the Future Award, Breeze Volkswagen is looking to acknowledge an outstanding employee, aged between 16 and 26, of any Dorset-based company and is encouraging employers or colleagues to put forward their nominations by Saturday March 1.

The winning employee will be recognised for achievements in the early stages of their career and for their contribution to the company they work for. An employee that stands out from the rest by displaying great ambition, innovation and drive to become leaders of tomorrow will be crowned the winner.

Entry is free and nominations are invited by colleagues and managers that are working with someone they feel are a rising star. The Award entry will need to detail why the nomination is being made, for example ways they have benefited the business, new ideas or initiatives they may have introduced, examples of excellent customer service and any instances of simply going that extra mile.

John Corderoy, managing director at Breeze Volkswagen, says: “We are delighted to sponsor the Rising Star of the Future Award. This category is an excellent way to find and celebrate driven, committed and passionate individuals who are ensuring a bright future for themselves and the business they work for.

“At Breeze Volkswagen we strive to achieve the highest levels of staff satisfaction and loyalty and as a result we have a strong, unified and committed workforce that is focused and enthusiastic towards delivering first-class service to our customers.”

Angela Fletcher, managing director at Rock Recruitment and founder of the Rock Star Awards, adds: “Harnessing the career aspirations, ideas and developing knowledge of bright young staff is a shrewd way for local businesses to develop an enthusiastic, committed workforce. It is great to see Breeze Volkswagen supporting this. I look forward to judging this category with the motor dealership and finding an employee with an excellent work ethic and potential to make them our winner.”

To nominate, please visit www.rockrecruitment.co.uk, click on Rock Stars and submit an entry for this category. Those shortlisted will be invited to the award ceremony at the O2 Academy, Bournemouth, on Thursday June 5. (Wed 5 Feb 14)

Hooley at the Haven Hotel in support of Wave 105’s Cash for Kids

Brace yourselves for the biggest St Patrick’s Day celebration on Sandbanks. On Monday 17 March 2014, the Haven Hotel is excited to announce that they are hosting an Irish Hooley to help raise donations for Wave 105’s charity, Cash for Kids.

Cash for Kids, provide grants to individuals as well as other local charities with one goal, to help ensure that the basic needs of Children across the region are met. They firmly believe that in this day and age, no child should go without their basic needs and are committed to supporting children on the South Coast under the age of 18, who are financially, socially, emotionally or physically disadvantaged.

All profits made from ticket sales for the ‘Hooley at the Haven’ event will be donated to the Cash for Kids charity. Not only this, on the night there will be a silent charity auction as well as a “guess how much gold is in the pot at the end of the rainbow?” competition.

On arrival, guests will be greeted with canapés and our very special Black Velvet cocktail. Throughout the evening, there will also be a buffet, serving traditional Irish culinary delights and live non-stop music from local band ‘Celtic Confusion’. They will be taking to the stage to perform lively, foot tapping Irish folk music to get you in the mood for line dancing all night. For beginner dancers, there will be lessons provided to get you dancing the traditional Irish way.

Mr Belk, General Manager of the Haven Hotel commented: “We are very excited about the Hooley at the Haven, not only does it promise to be a fun filled evening but it allows us to raise some much needed funds for our charity partner, Cash for Kids and their very worthwhile cause.”

This event is the first of an extensive calendar of events by the FJB Collection in support of their new charity partner, Cash for Kids.

This lively event is not to be missed! It will be held on 17 March 2014 at the Haven Hotel on Banks Road, Sandbanks. Doors open at 7.00pm, tickets are £30 per person with all profit from ticket sales going to Cash for Kids.

For more information about events across the FJB Collection please visit www.fjbhotels.co.uk or call 0800 48 400 48 to book your tickets. (Fri 31 Jan 14)

Port of Poole Marina voted the UK’s second best marina of the year

Poole Harbour Commissioners’ (PHC) Port of Poole Marina has been voted the UK’s second best marina of the year at the 2014 London Boat Show.

The marina was shortlisted among three other finalists in the GJW Marina of the Year competition which was organised by The Yacht Harbour Association to celebrate customer service in the marina sector.

Nominations were open to all UK marinas that have a Gold Anchor rating and winners of each category were determined by a panel of independent judges who decided the finalists based solely on customer feedback.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “We are very proud to have received this accolade and it’s incredibly rewarding knowing it’s our customers who have voted for us. John and his staff have worked tirelessly to provide a welcoming marina with fantastic facilities.”

John Binder, marina manager, added: “We want to say a big thank you to all our customers both for their votes and for their on-going support. We look forward to seeing you all in 2014.”

It’s time to capture Poole Harbour’s spectacular winter wildlife

Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) and the Bournemouth Daily Echo are continuing to celebrate Poole’s vibrant harbour by launching its second photographic competition category dedicated to the harbour’s winter wildlife.

PHC and the Echo are encouraging readers to submit their wildlife photographs by February 8 for the chance to win a return trip to Gijon or Santander for two passengers, plus a car and cabin, courtesy of LD Lines.

Poole’s spectacular harbour is a wildlife hotspot and never more so than at the coldest time of year.
The return of the popular photographic competition will focus primarily on Poole harbour through the winter months and will run until March with different categories used to entice readers to submit their photos.
A prize will be presented to each category winner and the remaining two categories consist of photography professionals and photographs taken by under 21’s.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of the Poole Harbour Commissioners, says: “Poole Harbour is a haven for wildlife during the winter. There is a really good variety of birds from wintering waders including avocet to visiting waxwings from Scandinavia.

“Brownsea Island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including a thriving population of the scarce and threatened red squirrel and Sika deer.”

Entrants must include their name, age, address, telephone number, email address and a brief description of the location or event and time of year. (Wed 22 Jan 14)

Dolphin shopping centre awarded ‘family-friendly’ accolade

The Dolphin shopping centre in Poole has been voted the top ‘Family-Friendly Shopping Centre’ in a reader’s survey set up by Primary Times magazine.

The prestigious Primary Times Reader Star Awards was set up recognise the most family-friendly destinations and attractions across Dorset.

The accreditation follows a survey that parents of children aged four to 11 across Dorset were asked to complete in October 2013.

Commenting on the award win, John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin shopping centre, said: “I am over the moon with our award win that confirms Dolphin shopping centre is a great place for families. We work hard to ensure that everyone who passes through our doors each year has a fantastic shopper experience, whatever their age.

“The majority of our shoppers are families and by going that extra mile by adding family-friendly events, such as the upcoming Eco Lounge event in February half term, we have been able to create a child-friendly shopping centre perfect for family outings.”

As well as topping the shopping centre category, the Dolphin is also thrilled to share its good news with its resident bike shop, Cycle Paths, who was voted the readers most favoured bike shop in the region.

Jean Clift, joint-owner of Cycle Paths, added: “We are really pleased to have been awarded this accolade. We opened our first shop on the first floor of the Dolphin shopping centre 15 years ago this February and we are still here and going from strength to strength.”

Anne Blackham, sales and marketing manager at Primary Times said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the readers who made the effort to complete the Reader Star Award survey and hope they are as interested in the results as much as we are! We were absolutely delighted with the readers’ response and applaud all the individual category winners.” (Tue 21 Jan 14)

Support group for parents of gay children to meet in Hamworthy

Ricochet, the only support group for parents of gay children in Dorset, will hold its next monthly meeting in Hamworthy, following its move from Dorchester. The meeting will take place on Saturday 1 February, in the afternoon.

Both fathers and mothers from across the county attend the meetings, a private time to share concerns over tea and coffee with people in the same situation. Topics covered include how to tell friends and family, how others may react to the news and gay boys' and girls' chances of becoming parents themselves.

Ricochet founder Colette Hill says: ‘We have made the move to Hamworthy following feedback around journey times. Hamworthy is more accessible for most.'

LD Lines pledges support for Whale and Dolphin research in the Bay of Biscay.

LD Lines, a leading European ferry and freight company, who have recently started new ferry services from the UK (Poole) to Spain (Santander and Gijón) and Ireland (Rosslare) to France (St Nazaire) and Spain (Gijón) has offered it’s help to the marine conservation charity MARINElife.

MARINElife has been given access to three routes aboard the Norman Asturias with all three, Poole to Santander, Poole to Gijón and Gijón to St Nazaire, going through the heart of marine-life paradise: the Bay of Biscay. MARINElife research has demonstrated that the bay, located off the coast of western France and northern Spain is a hotspot for many whale and dolphin species. MARINElife has been researching and surveying this vibrant area of ocean since 1995 and the support of LD Lines has ensured the conservation effort can continue.

The Bay of Biscay is especially important to a vast diversity of marine-life because beneath the waves of the bay, there are many deep water cliffs and canyons which create concentrated areas of food such as fish, squid and krill which in turn attracts larger marine mammals and seabirds. The Blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, is known to visit the area for feeding as well as many other species of whale and dolphin including the rarely spotted Beaked Whales.

Adrian Shephard from MARINElife said: “These ferry routes give MARINElife the opportunity to expand our vital conservation research in an extremely productive area for whales and dolphins and we deeply appreciate the assistance LD Lines have provided”.

A spokesman from LD Lines commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the inspirational research work of MARINElife via our UK – France – Spain services which traverse the Bay of Biscay. The vital conservation work they undertake will be extensively promoted on board as we are certain this will be of enormous interest to many of our travelling passengers”.

Conservation research is so important because many species of marine mammals remain threatened due to the pressures from environmental changes, over-fishing, whaling and marine pollution. MARINElife’s monitoring work is helping understand the changes in populations that are occurring and what action can be taken to safeguard their future.

MARINElife is confident the access offered by LD Lines will provide substantial data on marine mammals and seabirds in the area. Passengers crossing with LD Lines will also have the opportunity to look out for marine wildlife in its natural habitat by observing from the decks. Dolphin pods can be very large in Biscay and will often come in to bow ride and in the summer months, large numbers of 25 meter Fin Whales can be seen with their tall blows visible for miles. (Sat 18 Jan 14)

Lemur Landings voted Dorset’s favourite Indoor Play Centre for 2013.

The results from the prestigious Primary Times Star Awards for 2013 have been revealed and Lemur Landings has been voted as Dorset’s favourite Indoor Play Centre for 2013, landing the award for the 2nd year in a row. Parents were asked to complete a survey that appeared in family friendly magazine, Primary Times.

This award for Lemur Landings, one of the county’s largest soft play centres, follows on from a recent award as the Netmums South West’s favourite Soft Play venue for 2013 in the Netmums National Soft Play Awards.
Lemur Landings General Manager, Peter Watkins, said: “We are delighted to be the winners of these two awards, they are extra special as they are voted by our customers. We’d like to say thank you to all the local parents who voted for us. It is a testament to the team who have worked so hard to make 2013 such a wonderful year.”

Anne Blackham, Sales and Marketing Manager at Primary Times said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the readers who made the effort to complete the Reader Star Award survey and hope they are as interested in the results as much as we are! We were absolutely delighted with the readers’ response and applaud all the individual category winners.”

Situated on Bournemouth and Poole’s premier entertainment complex, Tower Park, Lemur Landings is an empire of soft play for the Under 12’s; with a massive multi-level play frame; consisting of a multi-slide, bridges, tunnels, ball pools and cannons; a dedicated area just for toddlers; a super sensory area for the under 5’s and a climbing wall, children can run riot in a stunning environment whilst parents relax in the café.

If you would like further information on Lemur Landings please call 01202 740500 or visit the website www.lemurlandings.co.uk.

Falkland Square evacuated after security alert

Staff and shoppers were evacuated from stores in Poole’s Falkland Square this afternoon, following a security alert. Police cordoned off part of the square outside the WH Smith store, adjacent to the railway crossing, after reports of a suspicious package, it is believed.

Officers shepherded shoppers away from the area, before a police sniffer dog and handler entered WH Smith to check out the store. The all-clear was given two hours later. (Mon 6 Jan 14)

Help mark Jenkins & Sons’ first New Year festivities

To mark its first New Year’s Eve festivities, Penn Hill’s new dining experience, Jenkins & Sons, will be offering guests two exclusive party menus to help celebrate the start of 2014.

On the evening of December 31, early party-goers can book a table between 5.30pm and 6pm and enjoy a three-course meal created by head chef, Paul Reed, for just £25.00 per person.

However, for those looking to party in style and indulge in a mouth-watering five-course dinner, followed by entertainment provided by a live band, they can experience the whole evening of New Year’s Eve celebrations from 8pm at Jenkins & Sons for £69.00 per person.

Owner of the restaurant, Mark Cribb, said: “We want our first New Year’s Eve at Jenkins & Sons to be a special one for everyone; we had great fun creating our New Year’s Eve menu and hope everyone enjoys the variety of home-grown produce, craft beer and entertainment on offer.”

For more information visit www.jenkinssons.com or to book telephone 01202 746604. (Mon 23 Dec 13)

Pantomime star set to make guest appearance at The Sandbanks Hotel’s Winter Terrace Pantoland

The star of Poole’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, Debra Stephenson (The Impressions Show and Coronation Street) is set to make a special guest appearance at The Sandbanks Hotel on December 23 to officially open the doors to the Winter Terrace Pantoland at 11am.

The magical world of Pantomime will descend upon the hotel on Monday December 23. Organised by the hotel’s Funsters Entertainment team, the event will provide families visiting the hotel on Monday the opportunity to meet the pantomime star before meeting Santa Claus, his elves and his panto friends.

Santa will have some of his reindeer on the terrace, enabling children to get a 'hands on' experience with the animals.

A hog roast, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will also be available.

Andrew Woodland, hotel manager of The Sandbanks Hotel, says: “We are very excited for Debra Stephenson to kick-start our festive extravaganza. It will be great to meet her and our Funsters Entertainment crew. The hotel team look forward to welcoming families to this Christmas celebration!”

Tickets for the event are priced at £6 per person or £20 for a family ticket and can be purchased on the day of the event.

The Big Christmas Jumper Quiz

Penn Hill-based Jenkins & Sons is encouraging people to help make a difference by taking part in its charity quiz on Sunday December 15 from 7pm.

It will be the venues first-ever quiz evening and to help make the celebrations enjoyable, the team at Jenkins & Sons is asking quiz goers to don their best festive jumpers.

The fun, Christmas-themed quiz will test guests’ general knowledge while raising money in aid of The Stroke Association and The UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund.

As well as the quiz there will be live music, a raffle, plus a special prize will be awarded for the best and worst Christmas jumper.

Owner of Jenkins & Sons, Mark Cribb, says: “We are looking forward to offering our guests a fun evening with the deeper purpose of raising awareness of this fantastic charity. Your support would be greatly appreciated.”

Tickets are priced at £5.00 per head, to register a team visit Jenkins & Sons or telephone 01202 746604. (Mon 9 Dec 13)

Dolphin shopping centre serves up a festive treat

Late night shopping in Poole is now underway and to help make the last minute shopping experience more enjoyable the Dolphin shopping centre has planned a jam packed calendar of events, right up until Christmas Eve.

The centre will be host to a number of musical performances with carol singing in the daytime and at weekends from a heavenly host of local bands and choirs. Among them is the Salvation Army brass band along with Christmas Eve carols courtesy of Parkstone Baptist Church.

The following acts will be performing at the Dolphin shopping centre this December:

Saturday December 7 – RNIB Choirs, from 10.00am until 1.00pm

Sunday December 8 – Rock Choir for Missing People Charity in conjunction with BHS, from 12.30pm

Wave 105’s mission for Christmas

For the fifth year running, Wave 105 Cash for Kids has a mission for Christmas… to deliver presents to children who would not otherwise receive a gift.

From Monday November 4, the Wave 105 Cash for Kids Toy Appeal campaign will be asking members of the public to donate new unwrapped toys to help make a disadvantaged child’s Christmas a special one.

With collection points across Dorset, people will be able to take on the role of Santa and drop off a present right up until Friday December 13.

Greeting Christmas shoppers, Wave 105 presenters will be broadcasting live from participating Sainsbury’s on the following dates:

9 December - Rick Jackson at Christchurch from 4pm to 8pm

10 December - Steve Power at Christchurch from 6am to 9am

12 December - Simon Clarke at Talbot Heath from 1pm to 4pm

13 December - Mark Collins at Talbot Heath from 9am to 1pm

Wave 105 Cash for Kids charity manager, Gloria Hill, said: “Last year’s appeal collected an incredible 15,113 toys, beating all previous records hands down! We hope to exceed that figure this year, but we can’t do it without the help and support of our listeners.

“We need new toys that are unwrapped, all of which will go to disadvantaged children within the region. Please do consider spending a couple of pounds on an extra toy during your Christmas shopping and drop it into one of the collection point at Sainsbury’s to spread the true spirit of Christmas this festive season.”

The appeal is sponsored by Foresters, the International Finance Services Organisation, and David Gale, the Specialist Orthodontic Referral Centre, and is in association with Sainsbury’s.

For those who prefer to do all their Christmas shopping via the internet, the campaign is also accepting online donations this year.

Bowling Club is ‘bowled’ over by support from Tapper Funeral Service

Tapper Funeral Service has agreed to continue its support for the Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club for a second year.

The sponsorship from the local funeral company means the bowling club can purchase new bowls for the junior section plus help with the longevity of the club’s quarterly members’ newsletter.

Joint managing director of Tapper Funeral Service, Steven Tapper, said: “We are pleased to be able to help contribute to local sport and in particular the Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club, it’s an invaluable asset to the community.”

The Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club has more than 1,000 members, with their youngest member just 10-years-old and their oldest member 94-years-old.

Dave Porter, club manager at Dolphin Indoor Bowls Club, added: “We are delighted to partner with Tapper Funeral Service for a second year; it’s a privilege to be associated with a long-established firm.” (Sun 1 Dec 13)

Free parking for Christmas late night shopping in Poole

The countdown to Christmas has begun and with just weeks to go until the big day the Dolphin shopping centre is keen to make Christmas shopping as easy as possible this year for customers.

To help people find the perfect Christmas gift, late night shopping on a Thursday at the Dolphin shopping centre will commence from November 28 with trading until 9pm in the lead up to Christmas.

From December 16 opening is extended between Monday and Saturday until 7pm. Christmas Eve hours are 8.00am to 5.30pm and on Christmas Day the centre is closed. It re-opens on Boxing day for the sales at 8am until 6pm.

As well as offering extended shopping hours in the run up to the big day, the Dolphin shopping centre management team has partnered with Borough of Poole to offer free car parking at all town centre car parks on a Thursday evening from 6pm to 9pm and Sunday between 10am and 6pm.

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin shopping centre, said: “Being able to offer shoppers free car parking is the icing on the Christmas cake! We really appreciate the support from the council and look forward to some busy evenings in the build-up to the festive season.”

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer people who shop in Poole free parking for Sundays and Thursday evenings. Poole's shopping centres are busy and vibrant all year but the atmosphere around Christmas is just fantastic and we are sure shoppers and businesses will welcome the benefits that this offer provides."

Santa Claus has come to town!

Thousands lined the streets of Poole on Sunday November 17 to welcome Father Christmas at the annual Dolphin shopping centre and Poole Town Centre Partnership Santa Parade.

Santa was greeted by cheering families and the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Philip Eades, as he cruised into Poole Quay on board an RNLI lifeboat. The jolly fellow was accompanied by the cast from the Lighthouse’s panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ including actress, comedienne and impressionist Debra Stephenson.

The magnificent parade, which was led by Poole’s town crier, David Squire, made its way through Poole’s high street with a host of entertainment including the Carnival Queen seated in a replica vintage racing car from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, dancing elves, real reindeer, Dorset Youth Marching Band, Poole FC, stilt walkers, toy soldiers and ballerinas all lining up the streets.

The festivities continued throughout the day inside the Dolphin shopping centre as shoppers were treated to free activities including face painting, arts and craft, an elf treasure trail and at midday Santa took residence in his enchanting alpine lodge where he will reside until his busiest night of the year.

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin shopping centre, said: “We had a fantastic turnout for this year’s Santa parade and are thrilled that so many people came along to see what was going on. The event spread Christmas cheer and the grotto is already proving hugely popular. It was a great day.”

Lemur Landings Wins Prestigious Netmums Award

Lemur Landings has been voted as the South West’s favourite Soft Play venue for 2013 in the first ever national Soft Play Awards.

The prestigious awards, run by the UK’s largest parenting site Netmums, saw over 1.6 million mums and dads eligible to vote for their favourite soft play venues across the UK.

The popular play centre and cafe was crowned the winning soft play venue for children in the South West, beating off fierce competition from a number of rival centres in Bristol, Bournemouth & Wotton-Under-Edge. Only 12 centres around the UK were deemed good enough to be regional winners.

Lemur Landings General Manager Pete Watkins said “We are delighted that after just a year of the centre being open as Lemur Landings we have won such a big national award. We’d like to thank all the local parents who voted for us. It is so exciting for the team, all our hard work has paid off.”

The centre will now receive a special certificate to display in their centre along with a three-month gold listing on the Netmums website, a site that has over a million users every week.

Awards Co-ordinator for Netmums, Nicola Lamond said; “We feel that this award is extra special as it is a 'mum's choice' award and acknowledges what a great job these centre’s do.”

Situated on Bournemouth and Poole’s premier entertainment complex, Tower Park, Lemur Landings is an empire of soft play for the Under 12’s; with a massive multi-level play frame; consisting of a multi-slide, bridges, tunnels, ball pools and cannons; a dedicated area just for toddlers; a super sensory area for the under 5’s and a climbing wall, children can run riot in a stunning environment whilst parents relax in the café.

If you would like further information on Lemur Landings please call 01202 740500 or visit the website www.lemurlandings.co.uk. (Sun 3 Nov 13)

LD Lines to launch new UK - Spain service

LD Lines has announced the introduction of a new UK to Spain service between Poole (Dorset) and Santander in Northern Spain.

Complementing LD Lines’ existing France to Spain route between St.Nazaire, south of Brittany to Gijón in Northern Spain, the service represents a major development to the company’s creation of an Atlantic ferry network, providing new links to serve the UK, French, Spanish and Portuguese freight and tourist markets and making regions such as the Algarve within even easier reach for UK motorists.

Scheduled to commence on Sunday November 3 with the 1800 departure from Santander, the new service will provide two return sailings weekly between Poole and Santander with a crossing time of 26hours.

Introducing the new Poole to Santander link will be the Norman Asturias with capacity for up to 500 passengers, 200 cars or 110 freight vehicles. On board facilities include 120 cabins, bar, restaurant, shop, cinema and childrens’ entertainment area.

The Norman Asturias currently operating the LD Lines’ Saint Nazaire to Gijón route will be replaced by her sister ship, the Scintu. The introduction of a two ship service will increase the potential for integration and further improve efficiencies in LD Lines’ Atlantic operations.

With a commercial service speed of up to 24 knots, both are modern vessels built in 2008/2009 by the Visentini Italian shipyard.

Christophe Santoni, CEO of LD Lines said: ”This exciting new project will be a key addition to our existing route between France and Spain and establish an Atlantic network by providing new travel and transport links for tourist and freight markets between Portugal, Spain, France and the UK. Significantly the timing of the introduction reflects growing confidence and evidence of signs of recovery for many European economies.”

The freight market will especially benefit from the new service by avoiding France’s weekend traffic ban and the planned implementation of the Ecotax for trucks from January 1 2014.

The new service will also provide a major trade boost for the Port of Poole as chief executive, Jim Stewart, explains: “Poole Harbour Commissioners is delighted to welcome LD Lines to the Port of Poole and we look forward to working closely together to ensure the success of the new route. The new service to Santander will provide passengers and freight with an exciting new link between the UK and Northern Spain, and we are very confident that the service will prove very popular with hauliers and tourists.”

Special introductory offer fares for the new service start from £399 return for a car and two passengers including cabin.

For more information and to book visit: www.ldlines.com or for passenger bookings call 0844 856 5498 or 0844 493 0654 for freight bookings. (Fri 25 Oct 13)

Dolphin shopping centre welcomes eight new retailers

There are signs of economic growth in Poole as the Dolphin shopping centre has had a strong start to the autumn after welcoming eight new retailers.

K & J Toyshop, an independent family-run toy shop which began in Christchurch in 2009, has expanded its business and opened a second store in Poole. Other independents consist of a new start-up shop, The Sweetie Boutique, and Kulla, a clothing store that opened in Falkland Square.

Owner of The Sweetie Boutique, Susi Shanks, said: “This is my first shop on my own and I am grateful of the support of the Dolphin shopping centre.

“As well as offering traditional sweets, I also wanted to create a niche in the market and offer a sweet shop experience for diabetics too; The Sweetie Boutique specialises in sugar-free sweets and we have more than 50 different varieties suitable for diabetics.”

Meanwhile, toy store, Hawkins Bazaar, which has 22 stores across the country, has once again signed a Christmas deal and opened a temporary shop selling unique toys, games, gadgets, crafts and puzzles in the run up to the festive period.

John Grinnell, centre manager, added: “It’s fantastic news that we are able to announce these new lettings. They are exciting additions to the Centre and will add to the already impressive portfolio of retailers.

“Not only do these new stores provide more choice to shoppers, we are delighted that they also bring new jobs to the town centre.”

Other retailers have also witnessed further economic growth, the Centre’s only mobile phone repair store, Bitznfix, has had to upsize its unit due to on-going demand and has now opened a new shop a few doors down from Wilkinson. (Fri 25 Oct 13)

Poole’s retailers are thankful for return of hourly parking charge

The number of people shopping in Poole town centre has risen, coinciding with the reintroduction of an hourly parking rate at the main Dolphin shopping centre multi-storey car park and surrounding roof top car parks.

Poole’s retailers are thankful for the return of the 90p hourly rate and have witnessed a boost in business since The Borough of Poole reinstated the car parking charge at the start of July in attempt to help attract more shoppers.

The boost in business and attractive car parking prices has also driven more retail outlets to the town centre, with the Dolphin shopping centre welcoming nine new tenants in the past month and with more set to open in the lead up to Christmas.

Dolphin shopping centre manager, John Grinnell, worked tirelessly to reintroduce the hourly charge and says: “It’s fantastic to see shoppers are making the most of the hourly rate, we hope this will continue and more people will feel relaxed to stay longer and enjoy a day out in the town.

“We have been really grateful for the support of the council, it’s important we work together to help those feeling the pinch and do everything possible to attract shoppers and new businesses to Poole.”

The move has also been hugely supported by Dolphin’s retailers, Nicola Aveyard, store manager of Boots adds: “It’s a positive step forward and shows how the council, the retail sector and the town can work as one. We have been incredibly busy over the summer months and the weekend trade has really picked up.”
The 90p hourly charge is currently on trial and will be reviewed by traders and the council in 2014. (Sun 13 Oct 13)

New protocol for small craft in Poole Harbour

Following months of consultation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Royal Yachting Association and local yacht clubs, Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) has produced a new protocol to address the safety of small craft in Poole Harbour.

Although the new protocol is voluntary it is hoped it will improve the initial response to recreational emergency situations within Poole Harbour, in particular organised events where safety boats are being used.

Poole Harbour Commissioners’ harbour master, Brian Murphy, said: “In recent years there have been a small number of Incidents within Poole Harbour, involving small craft, where the collective communication during the incident could have been improved. As a consequence, parties involved have had to work harder to bring the Incident to a successful conclusion.”

Although HM Coastguard has priority in co-ordinating the response to such incidents, PHC work very closely to ensure that any possible assistance can be provided. The new protocol is for the crew of the safety boat to refer to if any participant is involved in an incident. It addresses the communication shortfall by ensuring all parties involved are monitoring the same channel which warrants that all are updated in real time.

As guardians of Poole Harbour, PHC’s overall objective is to promote the safe and sustainable use of the harbour, they are responsible for maintaining safe navigation for commercial and recreational users and work with other marine agencies to police the harbour to ensure speed limits and other local byelaws are adhered to.

All organisers wishing to hold an event within Poole Harbour should contact the harbour master to discuss the event, risk assessment and the voluntary protocol.

Dolphin shopping centre gets set for ‘Passion for Fashion Show’ event

The Dolphin shopping centre, Poole, is getting set for its ‘Passion for Fashion Show’ event - a whole day of fashion and pampering taking place on Saturday October 12 from 11am.

Throughout the day shoppers will be able to view the latest winter styles and party looks from the centre’s leading brands including New Look, M&S, Primark and Beales to name a few.

In addition to the scheduled fashion shows, visitors will be able to indulge themselves and relax with the range of free treats available during the day, including makeovers by Beales and The Body Shop.

Fashionistas should be prepared as the Dolphin centre will also be awarding Poole’s most stylish shopper with tickets to see the renowned street dance troupe, Diversity.

Centre manager, John Grinnell, said: “We have previously held fashion show events and think they are a great way to engage with our shoppers. They also provide retailers with a good way to showcase what they have on offer for the season.”

Poole’s new dining experience is hitting the right note

The man behind the award-winning Urban Beach, Urban Reef and Urban Renaissance, entrepreneur Mark Cribb, has expanded his successful business and thrown open the doors to a new venture in Poole.

Mark and the team behind the ‘Urban brand’ have opened Jenkins & Sons, a cool coffee shop, bar and restaurant in Penn Hill.

The distinctive 1920’s fishmongers and butchers has become well-known for its unique dining experience, bringing a taste of the London social scene to Poole.

Every Wednesday from 7pm, the popular new eatery will be offering live acoustic evenings to entertain its diners with a selection of chilled-out tunes from promising local artists.

Taking to the mic on Wednesday October 2 to kick off the live music nights will be folk and indie singer, Martin Pitt.

Mark said: “We want people to come in from the dark evenings to enjoy some good music in the warm and lively atmosphere of Jenkins & Sons while taking full of advantage of our Josper oven cooked menu. We are now taking bookings so look forward to welcoming you to our fantastic new venue.”

Jenkins & Sons is open daily from 9.00am to 11.00pm. For further information on its live acoustic evenings visit: www.JenkinsSons.com or call 01202 746604. (Fri 4 Oct 13)

Local Waterpark Makes a Splash with ‘Best Day Out Award’

Poole’s very own Splashdown Waterpark has been acknowledged as one of the South Coast’s top tourist attractions.

After thousands flocked to Splashdown throughout a busy summer period, travel and tourism marketing experts Tourist Network named the attraction as their Best Day Out award winner for 2013.
The Tower Park-based water flume park, with around 180,000 visitors a year, has strived to maintain its position as the South’s Premier Waterpark, following last year’s installation of their high-adrenalin flume ‘Velocity’.

The Tourist Network Awards recognise attractions who are committed to providing the best service and hospitality and, of course, a fantastic day out for visitors. Tourist Network have been involved in the tourism sector for the last 10 years and have the unique perspective of seeing attractions inside out.

Commenting on Splashdown Poole’s award, Lee Stevenson, Tourist Network representative said: "After spending many hours seeing what happens behind the scenes at many attractions, Splashdown Waterpark has been awarded Best Day Out in the Tourist Network Awards for their constant evolution and improvement to their customer experience. An attraction with a refreshing view on tourism, Splashdown makes an enjoyable day for all and is a worthy winner of this category."

Speaking on behalf Splashdown Waterparks, Group Marketing Manager Jackie Richmond said: “We are delighted to have won this Tourist Network award for the waterpark. This is an exciting time for Splashdown Poole and it is great to receive recognition for the hard work of the team here.”

To find out more about Splashdown Waterparks or to book your visit please call 01202 716123 or visit www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk for further information.

Warren James jewellers has arrived in Poole

Following years of wanting to open a new store in Poole, finally Warren James jewellers has opened its new store in the Dolphin shopping centre, Poole.

The family-run business, which has 125 stores nationwide, officially opened its seventh store in the south west with a celebratory ribbon cutting to mark the new shop.

Warren James jewellers, which was established in 1979, has opened in mall one and the store’s layout is in theme with the firm’s contemporary, modern style. The brands available include Swarovski Crystal Elements, Fantasy, Fusionesse, Contempo and Mabel Rose.

John Grinnell, centre manager, said: “It’s great Warren James has opened its new store in the Centre and I’m sure they will do well located in mall one. The new jewellery store will offer Dolphin shoppers value for money and an excellent range of products.”

The new store has also meant more jobs have been brought to Poole, with a team of eight new staff members being employed. (Mon 16 Sept 13)

Will Writing Event

Local solicitors, Coles Miller, are supporting British Liver Trust this September with a will writing promotion. : Did you know if you don't have a Will the State decides what to do with your assets, they don't automatically go to your loved ones. Get peace of mind for you and your family now by taking part in British Liver Trust's Will promotion this September. Local firms are supporting the charity and will draft a standard Will in exchange for a donation.

There are no auditions and no need to read music. Find out more and book a free taster session at www.rockchoir.com or telephone 01252 714 276. (Fri 6 Sep 13)

POOLE TRAIL LAUNCHES IN POOLE

Poole Trail is a permanent mobile-friendly trail for visitors and residents to enjoy, brought to you by the Borough of Poole in partnership with Poole Museums and supported by Poole Pottery.

This cutting-edge scheme has created a whole new way for people to explore the town and its history.

Inspiration for the Trail came from Borough of Poole Museum Service, whose collections and resources reveal the amazing stories that Poole's buildings, streets, open spaces and Harbour have to tell. As well as great archaeology, art, pottery and social history, the Museum collections include archive film footage, oral history recordings and historical photos which illustrate and tell these stories.

Through these stories the Museum Service wanted to provide visitors and residents with an open air museum where they could find out more about Poole's historic buildings, its natural environment and local attractions such public art-work. Working with other Borough of Poole services, the Museum appointed City-Insights, a company that specialises in mobile internet, to create a practical way of making these stories available to the person in the street.

City-Insights developed an approach for Poole which links street signage, information panels, a simplified street map, a mobile-friendly website and an expandable behind-the-scenes database of archive material. The team developed over 40 stories connected to 11 More to Explore signposts around Poole Quay, Old Town and Harbourside Park. The stories use short, edited clips of material from the Museum Service's collections that can be downloaded and enjoyed on a mobile phone while standing at the right location.

The stories cover all topics from notorious smuggling gangs to Britain's first Boy Scout camp on Brownsea Island, and can be explored via the website or by walking from More to Explore signpost to signpost. Rather than being a set route, Poole Trail is a series of related locations that you can visit in any order you wish, at any time you chose, coming across stories as you discover the town, and make your own trail.